Sri Vijaya Puram, April 29:
In a vibrant initiative to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural legacy of the Nicobarese community, the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, is launching a district-wide competition to collect traditional folktales and folk songs, beginning May 1, 2025. The entries will form the basis of a soon-to-be-published book dedicated to Nicobarese oral heritage.
Open to students of Classes 9-12, tribal elders, captains, and government employees from the Nicobar district, the competition invites participants to submit entries under two categories: Stories (folktales, legends, myths, anecdotes) and Songs (ceremonial songs, lullabies, traditional music).
Submissions must be in the Nicobarese language, accompanied by English or Hindi translations, to ensure accessibility and accurate documentation. Entries are to be submitted by May 31, 2025.
The contest will be conducted Sub-Division-wise across Car Nicobar, Nancowry, and Campbell Bay, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner (Nicobar District).
Cash prizes and certificates await the best submissions:
- 1st Prize: ₹10,000
- 2nd Prize: ₹8,000
- 3rd Prize: ₹5,000
- 5 Consolation Prizes per category: ₹2,000 each
All authentic entries, irrespective of winning status, will be featured in the final published volume, ensuring the collective voice of the Nicobarese is preserved for posterity.
Officials say the initiative is not only about safeguarding traditions but also empowering communities. “It’s a powerful way to encourage our tribal youth and elders alike to reclaim and share their cultural wisdom,” a senior official from the Department said.
The upcoming book aims to serve as a cultural repository for researchers, educators, and the Nicobarese diaspora, showcasing the community’s unique worldview, storytelling patterns, and musical traditions.
